In the world of Nigerian Armwrestling, Sandra Ndukwu stands out as both a top competitor and Nigeria’s only referee with a World Armwrestling Federation badge. Her journey, which began in 2018, has been one of dedication, perseverance, and excellence.
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“I started Armwrestling in 2018 after a friend introduced me to the game,” Ndukwu shared in an exclusive interview with Sports247. Over the years, she has not only dominated the sport as an athlete but also earned international recognition as a certified referee.
Becoming a world-certified Armwrestling referee was no small feat. “My journey as a referee wasn’t really a smooth ride. I started attending courses in 2018, writing exams, and finally, in 2024, I was awarded my first Head Referee Badge. It took years of constant practice and dedication to achieve it,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, she continues to balance both competing and officiating. At the recently concluded National Open Armwrestling Championship, Ndukwu took on the demanding role of both officiating and competing—winning two gold medals in the process.
“It’s tough and sometimes exhausting, but my passion for ensuring fair play and contributing positively to the game keeps me going,” she said. While she enjoys refereeing, she admits that competing is her first love. “I spend months in the gym preparing for that one moment in competition, and I enjoy it more,” she added.
As Nigeria’s only referee with a World Armwrestling Federation badge, Ndukwu understands the responsibility that comes with it. “A good referee must be impartial, have strong knowledge of the rules, quick decision-making ability, and composure under pressure,” she noted.
Looking ahead, she believes Nigeria’s armwrestling future is bright, especially with strong leadership and increasing support. “We have one of the best federation presidents and a dedicated team working to grow the sport. But women need more encouragement, both financially and morally, to see why they should join,” she emphasized.
For young athletes, Ndukwu offers this advice: “When you get there, never forget why you started.”
With her dual achievements in armwrestling competition and refereeing, Sandra Ndukwu is not just making history—she is setting the standard for armwrestling in Nigeria and beyond.
